Growing Up In Brooklyn

A Tree Grows In Brooklyn by Betty Smith has become one of my favorite books. It is considered a classic and I can see why, because it is a story of a young girl growing up in Brooklyn and all her trials and tribulations. She lives in a slum and suffers humiliation and put downs. She suffers along with her family in poverty.There is sadness, happiness, humor, history and mystery and the reader roots for the young girl to make it through her tough life.

I found myself laughing out loud, crying in other parts, and wanting to get into the pages to change some of the things that happen to the young girl and her family. Before long, I was right along side the character's; suffering, enjoying, laughing, and being curious. The author writes in an easy manner and hooks the reader so that you don't want to put the book down! What will happen next, is a question I had, after each chapter.

In the inside cover of the book I found out that The book was published  in 1943, translated into fifteen different languages, sold over a million copies and is considered a classic. Francine, Neeley, Kate, Johhny and Sissy and Evey interact with store owners, junk dealers, politicians, bar tenders, lovers, school mates, spouses and teachers. You hate some and you love others, as you watch the young girl grow up. Times were tough in the 1900's yet the reader wants the young girl to succeed in life.

What a wonderful story that others have read yet I had never heard of until I was assigned to lead the discussion of the book in my book club. It should be interesting to hear what others think of the book.

"From that time on,

the world was hers

for the reading.

She would never be

lonely again,

never miss the lack of 

intimate friends.

Books became

her friends and there

was one for every mood."

Betty Smith